My first chili trophy!

We had a chili cook-off two weeks ago at work as a fundraiser for our Wingman Day that we had today.  I entered the cook-off with a chili recipe that was part mine and part two other recipes that I tweaked and came up with one really good pot of chili.  I named my chili "Afterburner" because one, it was hot and would burn you afterwards and two, afterburner is an extra little kick of fuel into the exhaust that makes our girl go a little faster.  And be a little more badass.  :) 

And I got SECOND PLACE!!  My very first time competing in anything since I baked cookies for a 4-H fair in the 5th grade.  First place went to a coworker who is famous for his chili, Brunswick stews, pulled pork, you name it, Mr. Farrell can cook it.  He's won five chili cook-offs with that recipe, which was just meat and seasonings, true Texas chili.  He even has a team down at the Big Pig Jig down in Vienna (and today he invited Larry and me to come down there and be his guests in November!) and they've been cooking pork for over 20 years.  The man knows his stuff.  So for me to come in second behind Mr. Farrell in a chili cook-off was an honor and I was tickled pink!

We didn't have trophies or anything like that, just a certificate for the first place winner so my sweet Larry went and had me a trophy made.  He gave it to me today at Wingman Day so that I could show all my friends.  And I'm showing it here so y'all can see it, too.  If you read my blog, you're my friend.  Even if I don't know you.  :)

My first chili trophy.  I love it.

Gloria

When I was a little girl, my Aunt Gloria had chalkware fish on her bathroom wall.  And I loved them.  Since I've gotten really interested in all things vintage, especially things from the 60's and 70's, I've tried to find some.  I have not seen ONE at all the estate sales and thrift stores we've been to and the folks who sell 'em on eBay and Etsy want way too much for them.  I recently joined a vintage lovers' Facebook page that I absolutely LOVE and last week, one of the ladies was selling a chalkware fish!  For cheap!  Free shipping!  I jumped all over it.  

I got her yesterday.  And named her Gloria.  I just love her.

 Look at her lips!

The Adventures of Myrtle

Larry rescued this little box turtle from some dogs today and he brought her home, knowing I'd know what to do with her, being from the country and all.  :)  I have rescued turtles most of my life and I'll still stop and move one across the road if I see it.  I'll never forget the time I moved one as big around as a manhole cover.  She was heavy!

This is Myrtle and she spent the afternoon with us!

She hung out on the rug in the mudroom.

She met Tabbie Hoffman.  And Banjo.  But Banjo was scared of her and wouldn't get too close.

She loved the warm water of the newly painted birdbath!

She showed us her best alligator impersonation.

She frolicked in the grass.

And she spent the rest of the afternoon under the magnolia tree, in the cool water of Banjo's pool.

At dusk, we took her to a nearby lake and set her free.

Have a good life, Myrtle!  It was nice meeting you.

Shot through the heart, um, Mason jar

Larry made me the sweetest thing to put on my Valentine tea cart.  He drilled two holes in a Mason jar and using a little magic, put a little wooden arrow through the jar!  Then he put some Sweetheart conversation hearts in the jar, half full so that the arrow wouldn't get lost.  I love it.  And him, too!